Danish champions AGF have secured the long-term future of Gift Links, with the South African signing a new contract that will keep him in Aarhus until 2031.
The agreement is a major statement from a club preparing to defend its first Danish league title since 1986 while also attempting to establish itself on the European stage.
Links has been with AGF since 2019 and has developed from an exciting overseas signing into one of the most recognisable players in Danish football. Comfortable as both a winger and wing-back, his speed, creativity and defensive energy made him an important part of AGF’s championship-winning side.
According to AGF’s official contract announcement, Links has made 211 appearances and scored 19 goals for the club since making his debut on September 15, 2019.
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A key figure in AGF’s historic triumph
Links played 32 matches during the 2025–26 title-winning campaign, contributing four goals and six assists.
His influence extended beyond his direct attacking numbers. He was selected for the Danish Superliga’s team of the round 14 times, underlining his consistency throughout the season.
AGF finished the campaign with 67 points from 32 matches, winning 19 and losing only three. Their title ended a four-decade wait and restored one of Denmark’s oldest and most heavily supported clubs to the top of the domestic game.
Links was particularly effective on the left side, where his ability to advance with the ball and deliver crosses gave AGF a regular attacking outlet. His versatility also allowed the team to switch between different formations without losing width or intensity.
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Club praises player who represents AGF’s identity
Football director Carsten V. Jensen said the new contract recognised both Links’ sporting importance and his influence away from the pitch.
“Gift, more than anyone, represents AGF’s DNA and the values for which we want to be known,” Jensen said.
“His performances on the pitch, most recently in the championship season, speak for themselves, but because of Gift’s character and personality, his importance to AGF extends beyond that. We are very happy that he has chosen to extend his time at AGF with a new contract.”
Jensen also presented the agreement as part of a wider strategy in Aarhus, with the club seeking to retain established first-team players while continuing to create opportunities for academy talents.
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The description of Links as a sought-after player suggests that AGF were aware of interest elsewhere. However, the club did not disclose the names of potential suitors or confirm that formal bids had been rejected.
From South Africa to champion of Denmark
Links arrived in Denmark from Cape Town City in 2019 and initially required time to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Scandinavian football.
He has since become a popular figure in Aarhus, building a connection with supporters through his energetic performances and visible affection for the club.
For international readers, AGF stands for Aarhus Gymnastikforening. Based in Denmark’s second-largest city, the club won five league championships before enduring a long period without a major domestic title.
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As The Guardian described in its account of AGF’s remarkable rise, Links provided a constant threat from wing-back during a campaign that transformed the traditional club from sleeping giant into Danish champion.
The title also placed AGF in Champions League qualification, giving Links and his teammates an opportunity to test themselves against stronger opponents from across Europe.
Links motivated by unforgettable celebrations
Links said his attachment to both AGF and Aarhus played an important part in his decision to remain.
“I greatly appreciate the club’s trust and recognition, and I look forward to continuing to fight for AGF and Aarhus, where I feel incredibly comfortable,” he said.
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“The experience of winning the championship and celebrating with everyone in Aarhus was unique and is a huge motivation to achieve great things together again.”
The length of the deal means Links could remain at AGF for more than a decade in total. It also provides the Danish champions with significant protection should larger European clubs attempt to sign him in the coming seasons.
A signal of AGF’s growing ambition
For AGF, the extension is about more than keeping one popular player.
Danish clubs often face difficulty retaining their strongest performers once teams from Germany, France, Spain, Portugal or other larger European markets become interested. By committing Links until 2031, AGF have strengthened their negotiating position and demonstrated that their championship is intended to be the beginning of a longer project rather than an isolated success.
Links may not yet be a familiar name to every supporter outside Scandinavia or South Africa. In Denmark, however, he has become one of the symbols of a historic transformation.
After helping AGF return to the summit of Danish football, he has now committed his future to the club as it attempts to turn domestic glory into sustained European progress.
